Hip Hop Thrives in the Arctic

More and more Inuit youth in the Arctic communities on Baffin Island are getting excited about Hip Hop dance. Learn about the power of Hip Hop through Will Steger's Expedition to
the Canadian Arctic...
Dancing has been part of Inuit culture for centuries. Kilaujaq, the
traditional drum dance of the Arctic, is an excellent example of
this. "Square dance, hip hop, drum dance, it's all the same...to be
happy with other people" explaines Inuit elder Marie Airut. "When we
want to have a good time, or be with other people, we dance.
[Kilaujaq] is something we do for special occasions if we want to
celebrate something. We invite people into a huge igloo for a big
drum dance. In my culture only the man plays the drum (known as a
qilaut) and the ladies sing the song...aye ya ya. I know how to sing
this song."
Both hip hop and Kilaujaq are represented on the black sweatshirt the
dancers wear around town. On the back, printed in yellow graffitti
letters, is the word 'Sapilqtailigit'. "This means 'Don't Give Up",
explained a young man. "Drugs and alcohol are a reality for some
young people here. Some struggle with suicide. We don't wan't people
to give up their hopes and dreams." Many see hip hop as a healthy
alternative for young people in the Arctic, providing a release for
anger and restlessness on the dance floor. Seeing the pride and
confidence in the Inuit dancers was an inspiration to all us of lucky
to catch their performance.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Dance
• Hip
• Hop
• Nonprofit
• Will
• Steger
• Global
• Warming
• Arctic
• Exploration
• Inuit

[nonanonymously]

Great stuff! Are any Inuit drum dance or square dancing moves being used in the hip-hop style?

[Icix1]

This is by far the silliest thing I have ever seen.

[cybernorth2007]

Dude I know that place, called Clyde River Nunavut.

[htnsexybaybe45]

that was funny as hell !!!!. oh hey i'm from the artic i'm from alaska and it'z kold as hell

[Bread24]

nice guys..very nice!